The Patriot Constitution of 1812

In March 1812, a group of Georgia settlers known as the Patriot Army invaded Spanish East Florida with de facto support from the United States Government. They had hoped to convince the Spanish colonists to join them and declare Florida’s independence from Spain. The attempt ultimately failed, but during the Patriot Army’s temporary control of Fernandina, the group’s leaders drew up this constitution and formed a government for what they called the Republic of East Florida.

Transcript

That can have the least dependence upon a promise so hollow and deceitful. Can anyone believe that such a corrupt, jealous, and arbitrary Government will adhere to promises however sacredly made? Will they not sever every title of torn property from you under the patent of making retribution for damages done to Individuals who have adhered to their oppressors? Aided by a venal? Judge, supported by a cruel Government, your enemies will harass you as long as a cent? Remain with you. But it is needless to dwell upon the subject: the pardon no doubt has been manufactured in St. Augustine. The Government of Spain knows nothing of it. It is designed to entrap the

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